Male Fetus Vs Female Fetus: Male and female fetuses grow in the same way at first, although small variances arise as a result of chromosomal differences. The XY chromosomes define a male foetus, whereas the XX chromosomes suggest a girl. Around the sixth week, the presence of a Y chromosome in males causes the development of testes, which produce testosterone. This hormone triggers the development of male genitalia. Females, on the other hand, lack the Y chromosome, and their internal tissues grow into ovaries in the absence of testosterone. While male and female fetuses initially have similar general shapes, there are minor differences. Male foetuses grow bigger during the second trimester and have a greater average birth weight.
Difference Between Male and Female Fetus
It's important to remember that while these are some biological distinctions, both male and female fetuses share the same fundamental developmental processes throughout pregnancy. Outlines are the differences between the two:
|
Aspect |
Male Fetus |
Female Fetus |
|
Chromosomal Composition |
Presence of Y chromosome |
Presence of two X chromosomes |
|
Gonadal Development |
Develops testes |
Develops ovaries |
|
Hormone Production |
Produces testosterone |
Produces estrogen and progesterone |
|
External Genitalia |
Typically develops into a penis and scrotum |
Typically develops into labia and clitoris |
|
Internal Genitalia |
Prostate gland development occurs |
Uterus and fallopian tube development occurs |
|
Reproductive Function |
Sperm production begins during puberty |
Ovum production begins during fetal development but halts until puberty |
|
Genetic Disorders Risk |
Higher risk for certain genetic disorders such as hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy |
Higher risk for certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome or Rett syndrome |
|
Congenital Conditions |
More susceptible to certain congenital conditions like hypospadias |
More susceptible to certain congenital conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
|
Cancer Risk |
Higher likelihood of developing testicular cancer later in life |
Higher likelihood of developing ovarian or breast cancer later in life |
|
Life Expectancy |
Generally have shorter life expectancy compared to females |
Generally have longer life expectancy compared to males |
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What is Male Fetus?
A male fetus is a growing human baby in the womb whose gender has been identified as male. This determination occurs at 6-7 weeks gestation, when the SRY gene on the Y chromosome causes the development of male sex organs.
Key points
- Male fetuses tend to be slightly larger than females in the first trimester.
- The SRY gene on the Y chromosome plays a crucial role in initiating male sex development.
- Testicular development begins around week 7, leading to the production of testosterone
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Key Features of Male Fetus:
- XY chromosomes. The presence of the Y chromosome causes the development of male sexual organs.
- Around week 7, the Y chromosome initiates testicular development. The testes generate testosterone, a hormone that regulates the development of male sexual organs.
- By week 12, the growing penis and scrotum are apparent on ultrasound.
- According to studies, male foetuses may grow somewhat quicker in the second trimester, resulting in an average birth weight.
What is Female Fetus?
A female fetus is a growing human baby in the womb who carries a XX chromosome pair. This combination regulates the development of female sexual organs and features.
Key points
- Female fetuses generally have slightly lower average weight compared to males in the first trimester.
- Ovaries begin to develop around week 5, but they don't become fully functional until after birth.
- No single gene solely determines female sex development; it's a complex interplay of genes on the X chromosomes.
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Key Features of Female Fetus:
- XX chromosomes. The lack of the Y chromosome permits the development of female sex organs.
- The ovaries mature about week 11. Unlike testes, the ovaries do not begin generating hormones until after birth.
- By week 12, the growing clitoris and labia majora are seen on ultrasound.
- Female fetuses often have somewhat smaller head circumferences than men at birth.
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Similarities Between Male and female fetus
- Male and female fetuses. Both grow from a single fertilised egg (zygote).
- Both are in the process of embryonic development.
- Both have comparable organs and organ systems, with some variations in reproductive characteristics.
- Both can be influenced by comparable prenatal variables, including as maternal nutrition and toxin exposure.
- Both can be diagnosed with genetic abnormalities using approaches such as prenatal screening or genetic testing.
- Both require appropriate prenatal care to ensure good growth.
- Both have the potential to develop a variety of congenital and genetic illnesses.
- Both are capable of responding to stimuli in the womb.
- Both are affected by genetic inheritance from both parents.
While male and female fetuses go through the identical earliest phases of development, minor variances occur early on. Male fetuses (XY chromosomes) are somewhat bigger in the second trimester and show a higher pro-inflammatory response. This makes children more sensitive to infections and may lead to an increased risk of premature delivery. Female fetuses (with XX chromosomes) are less likely to become infected, although they may be more susceptible to maternal stress hormones. Despite these differences, male and female fetuses require the same level of prenatal care for optimal development.